There are a few elite teams at the top of the heap who are primarily playing for first-round byes and home-field advantage, but for the rest of the clubs with postseason aspirations, every game could potentially be the difference between having a chance to win a World Series or watching the postseason on television.
With that in mind, we offer up a quick snapshot of where things stand in the American and National League playoff races as the new week gets underway.
Current MLB playoff picture
All records and stats are as of the start of play on Monday, Aug. 10.
The division winners with the two best records in each league earn byes into the division series. Currently, the top seeds are the Tampa Bay Rays and Chicago White Sox in the AL, and the Milwaukee Brewers and Atlanta Braves in the NL.
The third division winner in each league will have home field advantage in their division series and will host the wild-card team with the worst record. Three teams in each league qualify for wild-card playoff berths.
Note: If two or more teams tie for a division title or a wild-card spot. Ties are broken by head-to-head record first, followed by intradivision record. Beyond that, things can get complicated.
The playoffs follow this format:
Wild-card series: Best of 3
Division series: Best of 5
League championship series: Best of 7
World Series: Best of 7
Key MLB postseason dates
The official 2026 MLB postseason schedule has not yet been released. However, no major changes from last year's schedule have been announced or are expected.
Sunday, Sept. 27: Final day of 2026 regular season
Celtic coach Red Auerbach gives Bob Cousy a bear hug as Cousy finished off a 13-year pro basketball career by leading the Boston Celtics to a 112-109 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers and an unprecedented fifth straight National Basketball Association championship.
NBA history spans 80 seasons, and as CelticsBlog readers well know, the Boston Celtics have won a league-high 18 championships. This month, we are recapping each of those title years.
The 1962-63 season would be Bob Cousy’s 13th in a Boston uniform – and his last, as he had announced his retirement. The Celtics without Cooz was almost unthinkable. He was their first superstar, coming from Holy Cross as an NCAA champion. He would end his career as the Celtics captain, a six-time NBA champ, 12-time All-NBA, 13-time All-Star, 1957 league MVP, eight-time league assists leader, and a Hall of Famer.
The 1963 NBA champion Boston Celtics. | Photo by NBAP/ NBAE/ Getty Images
That same season was John Havlicek’s first in a Boston uniform, the ninth overall pick from Ohio State, where he also won an NCAA title. Havlicek would play 16 seasons, becoming Celtics captain, an eight-time NBA champ (notably, 8-0 in the Finals), 11-time All-NBA, 13-time All-Star, 1974 Finals MVP, eight-time All-Defense, the franchise’s career scoring leader (26,395 points) and a Hall of Famer. And his nickname, Hondo, came from the title of a John Wayne movie, because he was said to resemble the actor.
<p>Coach Red Auerbach bear hugs Bob Cousy after the All-Star finished his career by leading the Celtics to a 112-109 victory over the Lakers and an unprecedented fifth straight title.</p>
Stringing their careers together, Cousy and Havlicek gave the Celtics nearly three decades of greatness. And during this one season as teammates, they would help the Celtics win their fifth straight NBA championship, and the sixth overall, making Boston the league’s top franchise, passing the Lakers’ five titles.
The regular season
As they had done every year since Bill Russell’s arrival, the Celtics posted the league’s best record at 58-22.
Russell was voted the league MVP for the third straight year and fourth overall. (Russell, Wilt Chamberlain and Larry Bird are the only players to win three consecutive MVPs). Russell also was named All-NBA first team, as voters cast ballots logically this year and dropped Chamberlain to second team behind the MVP. Cousy and Tommy Heinsohn joined Russell as All-NBA choices.
Red Auerbach’s veteran acquisition this season was trading a second-round pick for 6-foot-9 center Clyde Lovellette. Entering his 10th NBA season, Lovellette was a double-double scorer and rebounder who won a title with the Minneapolis Lakers as a rookie, and was a four-time All-Star who also played for Cincinnati and St. Louis. He would finish his career with two rings as a Celtic.
The highlight of the regular season occurred on St. Patrick’s Day, when Cousy was honored before his retirement. Surrounded by family and teammates, an emotional Cousy couldn’t speak through his tears. In a now-famous Boston sports moment, the arena fell silent until a loud fan boomed out, “We love ya, Cooz!” Ever since, fans at similar sports ceremonies have tried to match that moment with their own shouts. No one has succeeded.
Eastern playoffs
Following their customary bye in the first round, the Celtics were matched up with the Cincinnati Royals — not Chamberlain’s Warriors, who missed the playoffs. But no Wilt did not mean breezing to the Finals. In addition to superstar point guard Oscar “Big O” Robertson, the Royals had All-Stars in center Wayne Embry and forward Jack Twyman.
They immediately showed what they could do, winning the opener, 135-132. Robertson hit Boston with a triple double of 43 points, 10 assists, 14 rebounds. Embry and Twyman combined for 42 points as the Royals overcame a 10-point halftime deficit. Oddly, each of the first four games of the series went to the visitors, so it was 2-2 going to Game 5 in Boston. Robertson scored 36, but Heinsohn offset that with 34 and Boston won, 125-120. Game 6 in Cincinnati was another Big O show: 36/15/14 for his third triple double of the series.
In yet another Game 7 on the parquet floor, it seemed that the only way to stop Robertson was for someone to match his scoring. And Robertson made that tough, delivering his second 43-point night of the series. On this night, however, Sam Jones was just better. Coming through in the clutch as usual, Jones scored 19 points in the second quarter alone. For the full game, he made 18 of 27 shots plus 11 of 12 free throws for 47 points, a new personal best and a record for an individual in a Game 7. (That record stood for nearly six decades until broken by Luka Doncic. Jayson Tatum holds it now with 51 versus the Sixers in 2023.) Heinsohn added 31 points and Cousy 21 points and 16 assists.
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NBA Finals
With their seventh straight trip to the Finals, Bob Cousy now had a golden opportunity to retire as a champion. The opponent would once again be the Lakers, and this time Boston took care of business, winning the first two at home, then prevailing in a close Game 4 in Los Angeles for a 3-1 lead.
In Game 5, the packed Boston Garden wanted to see Cooz celebrate one more time on the parquet. Except Elgin Baylor and Jerry West combined for 75 points and forced the Celtics to fly back to California one more time. Even going for their fifth straight title, the Celtics were not infallible.
After outscoring the Lakers 33-17 in the second quarter, Boston held a 14-point lead at halftime of Game 6. They remained up 12 going to the fourth. The lead was nine with 10:57 to play (an eternity, for sure) when Cousy had to be helped off the floor with a serious foot injury. The LA fans gave him a standing ovation. The timing could not have been worse. After the injury, the Lakers dug deeper and Boston’s lead became thinner.
Turning point
With 4:43 to play, Cousy surprised everyone by coming back on the court. The Lakers continued to apply pressure and got to within one point of Boston, 108-107. Even so, the Celtics having their captain back to stabilize the team was crucial.
The Hollywood ending
The captain being injured in what could be his final game, but making a valiant return and leading the team to victory. Cheesy movie script? Not this time.
The hero we needed
Tommy Heinsohn made several key plays in crunch time. With the Celtics protecting a two-point lead, he stole a pass and went all the way for a layup. Celtics by 4. Moments later, when the margin was down to one and the Lakers had to foul to stop the clock, Heinsohn swished four straight from the line to boost the lead to five.
It wasn’t over until…
Seconds before the final buzzer, Cousy heaved the ball toward the rafters. When it came down, the rebound was grabbed by…Bill Russell. Of course.
Notable facts and stats
It’s possible Boston’s defense finally slowed down the Baylor/West combo. In the 1962 Finals they averaged 71 points combined. This time they combined for 60 in the closeout game and 63 on average combined for the series. That dropoff may have cost the Lakers because Boston’s winning margins were 3, 7, 3 and 3.
Over the six Finals games, the Celtics were led in points per game by Jones, 24.7; Heinsohn, 23.3; and Russell, 20.0. Russell was the rebound leader with 26 per game.
The rookie, Havlicek, appeared in four of the six games, scoring a total of 34 points – but 18 of them came in Game 6. A sign of where he was headed.
Third-year forward Tom Sanders also scored 18 points. Heinsohn led Boston with 22.
In his final line, Bob Cousy played 30 minutes, shot 8 for 16 and 2 of 2 from the line, with 7 assists.
Banner Years continues tomorrow with a review of the 1964 season and the road to winning Banner #7.
PITTSBURGH, PA - SEPTEMBER 27: Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Owen Pickering (38) skates with the puck during the third period in the preseason NHL game between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Columbus Blue Jackets on September 27, 2025, at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, PA. (Photo by Jeanine Leech/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
After an extended NHL spell during his first professional season, Owen Pickering only saw four NHL contests in 2025-26, dropping his down the rankings and leaving many questions to be answered for the former first round pick as the new season approaches.
Selected in the first round back in 2022, Owen Pickering figured to be an important piece of the Penguins blue line in the future, but now, over four years on from being drafted, that potential has not come to fruition for the young defenseman who spent most of 2025-26 in the minors with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins.
Pickering made his long anticipated NHL debut during the 2024-25 season, staying with the club for over a quarter of the season, appearing in 25 games for the Penguins, scoring his first career NHL goal in the process and adding a pair of assists. There were times during this stretch where he looked the part of an NHL defenseman, but it was clear he still needed more time in the AHL and was sent back down.
After getting a taste of the NHL, it was expected that Pickering was going to battle for a full time roster spot in 2025-26, but with a crowded depth chart entering camp and questions on his NHL readiness coming from the front office, Pickering was going to need to turn in something truly special to make the opening night roster.
Ultimately, Pickering was not on the NHL roster for opening night and began the season back in the AHL, but he figured to be on the short list for a call up when injuries inevitably hit and they needed reinforcements in the NHL. That call came for Pickering pretty early in 2025-26, getting recalled to the NHL at the end of October, making his season debut for the Penguins on October 28th in Philadelphia.
His recall was brief, playing in just four games for the Penguins before being returned to Wilkes-Barre. That was the first and only call up of the season for Pickering, adding more questions than answers to where exactly his development is at this point in his career.
While Pickering saw limited time in the NHL this season, he put together a solid AHL campaign with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, playing in 68 of the team’s 72 games, scoring seven goals with 21 assists, setting career highs across the board. In the Calder Cup Playoffs, Pickering played an additional 11 games, scoring once to help the Penguins beat the Hershey Bears, but saw his season come to an untimely end due to a broken foot.
With his second pro season now in the rearview, focus turns to the future for Pickering and the Penguins where there are still many questions left to be answered about where exactly Pickering fits in with this Penguins team and where exactly his development stands.
Pickering is a left handed defenseman who played on the left side of the blue line for Wilkes-Barre Scranton last season, a position where the Penguins are currently very thin. Glancing at the NHL roster, the Penguins only have three left handed defenseman under contract for the 2026-27 season, seemingly opening the door for the former first round pick heading into the new season.
Is Pickering able to finally stake a claim for that spot? It’s a good question. By most accounts, he had a satisfactory season toward his development, largely offering a safe, reliable defensive game.
While he is a large human, Pickering isn’t overly physical. And his offensive contributions will always be limited.
But Dubas, in his season-ending media availability on May 12, declared Pickering “found his role.”
Now, it’s time for him to find a role in the NHL.
When the Penguins convene for training camp next month, Pickering will arrive hoping to lock down a full time NHL roster spot. With a lack of left handed defenseman currently on the Penguins roster, there will be a golden opportunity for Pickering to step up and show he belongs. It seems the Penguins still believe in him as a player, so the onus is on him to make this opportunity count.
Development is not linear for prospects and there are expected to be ups and downs along the way. Some fans may have found last season disappointing for Pickering, and he may likely feel the same after getting a long NHL look the season prior, followed by just a cup of tea the next time around.
This season is the final year of Pickering’s entry level deal with the Penguins and there is no better way to earn a second contract than showing up to training camp and claiming ownership to one of the available roster spots on that left side of the Penguins blue line. Pickering will be given every chance to earn that role, but it’s up to him to play like the first round pick every one thought he was four years ago.
NEW YORK, NY - AUGUST 08: George Lombard Jr. #96 of the New York Yankees rounds the bases after hitting a home run during the game against the Atlanta Braves at Yankee Stadium on August 8, 2026 in New York, New York. (Photo by New York Yankees/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Yankees came oh-so-close to a scintillating sweep of the Braves, but the offense sputtered once again in another extra-innings loss yesterday. Even so, the series victory over Atlanta did serve as proof of concept. Thanks to their stellar pitching, this offensively limited version of the Yankees very much can beat the best teams in baseball. It may not always look pretty, but the Yankees have a chance to win every night because of their staff, and it does beg the question: how good can this team be once (if?) the offensive cavalry arrives?
It’ll be a relatively quiet day on the site, matching up with the team’s offday. In the morning, Kevin recaps Sunday afternoon’s American League action, and Matt profiles Gerald Williams, an outfielder and World Series champion with the Yankees. Later, Peter discusses how Paul Blackburn’s sinker has unlocked the rest of his game, and Madison puts out the call for this week’s mailbag.
Today’s Matchup:
Offday
Questions/Prompts:
1. Has Cam Schlittler re-established himself as the AL Cy Young favorite?
2. The Mariners are in town this week. Where does Seattle rank among the most disappointing teams in baseball this season?
Don Nelson, who died Sunday, was an unlikely candidate for a historical basketball figure.
He was not particularly gifted. He didn’t run fast or jump high. At 6-6, in his day, he was kind of too tall for a guard and verging on too small for a forward.
Nonetheless, he built a remarkable career, first as a player, then as a coach and an executive who constantly challenged convention.
He was one of the first, if not the first, to use the idea of a stretch-four or stretch-five. He had versions of small ball with Golden State, but he also let 7-7 Manute Bol rain threes. No Nellie, No Durant, No Nowitzki, no Karl-Anthony Towns.
Current Golden State coach Steve Kerr said this about him:
“Don Nelson was a true innovator whose influence on the game of basketball is still felt today. He consistently challenged conventional thinking, experimented with different lineups and styles of play and saw possibilities in the game that others often did not. So much of what is now commonplace in the modern NBA can be traced back to the way Nellie approached the game.”
Celtics patriarch Red Auerbach said this about Nelson: “He has great knowledge of the game. Someday he’s going to be a coach, and a very good one. He knows the game, and he plays it hard.”
Before he was a coach, Nelson played with the Chicago Zephyrs, then the Los Angeles Lakers, before signing with the Boston Celtics in 1965. He helped Boston win five NBA championships, and in Game 7 of the 1969 Finals, he had a moment most players would kill for.
John Havlicek dribbled the ball down the right side of the lane, then turned, and Keith Erickson of the Lakers made a brilliant defensive play from behind, swiping the ball loose from Havlicek.
Unfortunately, he knocked the ball straight to Nelson, who caught it almost exactly where you would want to start a shot.
Elgin Baylor was close but was slow to react as Nelson rose up. His shot hit the rim, then took a dramatically high bounce before dropping through to put Boston up 105-102, with just 1:33 left.
You might not notice this right away, but as soon as Nelson took the shot, he bolted for the defensive end, suggesting one of two things: coach Bill Russell had instructed him to do so, or Nelson was sure the shot was going in.
As it turned out, Boston won 108-106, for their 11th championship in 13 years.
Perhaps some time in October, the Milwaukee Brewers will regret not trading for Tarik Skubal. For the moment, they're the best team in the major leagues, and have one would-be Skubal pawn to partially thank for it.
The Brewers ascended to No. 1 in USA TODAY Sports' power rankings thanks to two one-run victories over the Minnesota Twins in a taut battle of Upper Midwest playoff contenders. Their series-clinching victory came in 10 innings on a Jake Bauers walk-off single, but it was a catch by right fielder Luis Lara in the top of the inning - his second fantastic grab of the day - that prevented a huge inning and put Milwaukee in position to win.
Lara, 21, was among the players the Brewers roped off from Skubal talks, having signed him to a team-friendly extension and identifying him as a key part of their future. Ranked by Baseball America as the game's No. 35 prospect, he boosted Milwaukee on a day Jacob Misiorowski made history but couldn't close the deal.
No matter. Milwaukee's 74-44 record gives it a three-game edge over Atlanta for best in the NL as the Brewers maintain a 5 ½-game lead over the relentless Chicago Cubs.
A look at our updated rankings:
1. Milwaukee Brewers (+1)
Four games at Dodger Stadium may evoke bad memories of last October - or a boost toward the next one.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 29: Jabari Smith Jr. #10 of the Houston Rockets reacts against the Los Angeles Lakers after winning Game Five of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on April 29, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NBA. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Rockets fans and fans across the country.
This week’s question asked you about Jabari Smith Jr. Many had him pegged as the best pick in the 2022 NBA Draft. He was slated to go number one overall to the Orlando Magic, who actually ended up taking Paolo Banchero, allowing Smith to fall all the way to the Rockets at three.
He’s been a mixed bag since, but he is coming off of the best season of his career. That being said, he hasn’t quite lived up to his draft status. Does that make him a Rockets bust?
Here is what you said:
Only 13 percent of Rockets fans think Smith is bust, and I do think that’s fair. Many of you know that I’ve always been high on Smith, and while he hasn’t quite lived up to my expectations either, he appears to be on his way up, averaging the most points and best three-point percentage of his career.
Smith is also still just 23, meaning he still has plenty of time to keep growing. When he hits 27 or 28, I do think he can be a force, particularly defensively. I still see the potential.
Don’t forget to check out or sponsor FanDuel for the basektball odds. The Rockets are +165 to win 50 games, meaning but $100 to win $165, and they are +3300 for the NBA Finals if you’re feeling really positive.
CINCINNATI, OHIO - AUGUST 02: Mitch Keller #23 of the Pittsburgh Pirates pitches in the first inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park on August 02, 2026 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across MLB. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Pirates fans and fans across the country.
This week’s question asked you about Mitch Keller. The Bucs pitcher is down for the rest of the year with an injury, and before getting hurt, he was having a terrible season with a 6-8 record, 5.26 ERA, and a 1.37 WHIP. We asked you of you thought Mitch had tossed his last game as a Bucco. Here is what you said:
Only one quarter of Bucs fans think that Mitch has pitched his last game as a Pirate. In all likelihood, teams are going to want to see him in action if the Bucs are going to shop him, but stranger things have happened.
Don’t forget to head over to FanDuel for the MLB Playoff odds. As of this morning, the Bucs are +1260, so if you feel they can somehow still pull this thing off, there’s a hefty payout in it for you.
NEW YORK, NY - AUGUST 05: Manager Aaron Boone #17 of the New York Yankees looks on prior to the game between the St. Louis Cardinals and the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium on Wednesday, August 5, 2026 in New York, New York. (Photo by Hailey Leonard/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
The Athletic | Brendan Kuty: I wish I believed in anything as much as Aaron Boone believes the Yankees’ offensive woes will just magically fix themselves. Since Tuesday, the day their big trade deadline acquisitions made their debuts, the Yankees have scored just 12 runs in five games. Boone acknowledges this team can be really good but needs the offense to improve in order to get there as the starting pitching, at least, has held things down extremely admirably. Yet, there doesn’t seem to be any answer to the problem outside of hoping and praying Aaron Judge returns as soon as possible.
MLB Trade Rumors | Mark Polishuk: Some notes from around the AL East, but the key point of focus here is Aaron Judge being cleared to begin some upper-body training and light running drills earlier this week. While he’s still got a long way to go and there’s still no timetable for his return, it’s at least some glimmer of hope that hadn’t previously been there for a long time. Though, Brian Cashman reiterated yesterday that he will need to be 100% before they think of bringing him back as they don’t want to risk him injuring something else in a rush to come and save this team. Some of those words are paraphrasing by yours truly, but that’s the gist of it.
MLB.com | MLB.com Staff: When the Yankees signed Antonio Gomez as an international free agent in 2018, they did so as a catcher. Eight years later, Gomez was making his season debut for Single-A Tampa as a pitcher and came out dealing. Ranked with a 70-grade arm, Gomez threw a scoreless inning in relief, averaging 99.9 mph on his fastball and touched or passed 100 mph five times in his 15 pitches of work. Though he transitioned to the mound last season while with Double-A Somerset, he was hurt to start the year, thus making his debut in Tampa.
NJ.com | Keith Sargeant: It’s always a cringeworthy moment when a bat or ball makes its way out of the playing surface and strikes someone. That’s exactly what happened earlier in June when a New Jersey woman was attending a game against the Cleveland Guardians. She’s now suing the Yankees, Yankee Stadium, and companies that her complaint identifies as being involved with the stadium’s protective netting system, for what’s described as “preventable” injuries. They claim the netting was lower in her section than others after a José Ramírez bat made its way into the stands.
STORRS, CT – Norman Dale, the fictional coach at the center of "Hoosiers," had his five starters.
Dan Hurley has his roster, and on Friday, the UConn men’s basketball coach made clear he has no intention of shopping for any more players, even as college basketball’s portal chaos rages on around him.
"My team is on the court," Hurley said after Friday’s practice, riffing on the "Hoosiers" line to make clear the Huskies are done making changes to their roster.
The quip doubled as a statement of contentment, with Hurley closing UConn’s summer practice slate by saying he’s not looking to add any new players to his roster following the recent pool of players who were granted eligibility.
Last week, a federal judge in Colorado ruled athletes from the high school class of 2022, who used up their fourth season of eligibility this spring, can return for a fifth year in 2026-2027. It’s a decision the NCAA is expected to appeal, and one that threatens to upend rosters just as school gets underway.
The ruling effectively opened a fresh, unplanned wave of transfers in the first week of August, with dozens of newly eligible players searching for a landing spot.
For Hurley, who has been outspoken about the state of college basketball, the timing only sharpened his frustration.
"Now let's unleash 80 players into the sport in the first week of August," Hurley said. "We can't go on like this. And anyone who acts like it's great, it's good for college basketball, they've already taken the stance that this is what they've wanted, and now they're just defending their position. It's total chaos and it's not sustainable."
Hurley said the summer has been a “roller coaster,” but he’s impressed with the talent and depth of this year’s group.
"There are days you walk out of here and you want to let the company that makes the banners know that we might have a shot at one this year. And then there's days you walk out of here and think your team sucks, and you want to beat your head against the wall,” Hurley said.
UConn returns stars Braylon Mullins and Silas Demary Jr., but also has had an infusion of notable transfers such as Na'jai Hines, Oskar Giltay, Nils Machowski and Nik Khamenia.
The Huskies will have a gauntlet of a nonconference schedule that includes matchups with Duke, Kansas, Arizona, Illinois and Michigan.
Silas Demary ready for bigger role with UConn in 2026-27
Demary is having a great summer so far.
The all-Big East first-team selection and 2026 Naismith defensive player of the year showcased a jump in his offensive game during the scrimmage portion of Friday’s practice. Demary was dominant as a pick-and-roll ball handler while also showcasing high-level shot making from all three levels.
But while the work on the court has improved, Demary is hoping to take another leap as a leader.
“I think being a senior here and being a returner is definitely a lot,” Demary said. “I think just talking to the coaches and knowing that I'll have to step up in that leadership role. They’re helping me, even on my tough days. They’re still telling me how to be a leader and how to figure those things out.”
Demary started all but one game last season when he averaged 10.5 points and 5.7 assists. He said he learned a lot from last year’s seniors Alex Karaban and Tarris Reed Jr. to adjust to being in a front-facing role.
“Just being able to go through last year with them and then now being that that older guy to experience the senior on this team, like it's cool. It's a lot of fun, it's cool to see them come to me and ask me about different questions about plays and different reads. I feel like I'm in a great spot, and it's great to see those guys leaning on me.”
UConn basketball freshman standouts
Guard Junior County and forward Colben Landrew were among Friday’s standouts.
County, the 2026 Utah Gatorade player of the year, averaged 19.1 points, 6.2 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.2 blocks per game this past season at Wasatch Academy.
“Junior is one of the most prepared freshmen we've had come in here,” Hurley said. “The guy's maturity level, the high school program, his parents –– he came in with great pedigree. You have summers where you just love the way a player comes in, and he probably stands out more than anyone this summer.”
Landrew was a highly touted prospect coming out of Wheeler High School in Georgia. The 6-6, 236-pound forward was a two-sport star as an all-state wide receiver.
“Colben is talented like these early entry guys to the draft have looked like,” Hurley said. “It's the hardest work he's ever done in his life. ... As his body and his mind and his emotions learn to handle that, he'll unleash all of his abilities. But he's got early entry NBA ability.”
Former Wimbledon champion’s suspension comes as Mykhailo Mudryk returns for Chelsea, exposing stark contrast in processes
In the months between the first announcement of Marketa Vondrousova’s doping test refusal and the release of the full reasoned decision after her four‑year ban, the 2023 Wimbledon champion did her best to grab hold of the narrative. Between her social media posts and later interviews, Vondrousova explained that she had serious concerns about her safety during the encounter, that the doping control officer at her door had acted improperly, and that her mental health problems had affected her judgment.
Then came the 58-page document, a summary of the court tribunal process, which was finally released a little over a week ago. Among the ample questionable decisions it showed Vondrousova to have made that evening, the text to her boyfriend shortly after the doping control officer arrived was particularly revealing, an indication that she felt disdain towards the tester rather than fear: “So like here is ringing some cunt from the doping,” she wrote.
Record 10-time Super League champions are poised to miss out on playoffs for the first time but their problems run deeper than poor results
Perhaps the biggest concern as the full-time hooter sounded on another miserable evening for St Helens on Thursday was that the anger, along with thousands of supporters, had long since disappeared and had been replaced with a sense of apathy.
No club have been as consistent a force in the history of Super League quite like Saints. Wigan were almost relegated 20 years ago, Leeds have finished in the bottom half on multiple occasions and the other two champions, Bradford and Hull KR, have spent extended spells outside of Super League. And that is why this is such a story.
Turkish Super Lig club Corum are discussing the final details with Rangers for the transfer of Mohamed Diomande, with the 24-year-old midfielder expected in Istanbul on Monday for a medical and contract talks. (Ertan Suzgun on X)
Corum are closing in on a move to sign Rangers midfielder Mohamed Diomande for a fee of around £4.5m. (Rangers Review)
Çorum have made an official offer of £4.8m to Rangers for Mohamed Diomande. (Yagis Sabuncuoglu on X)
The bid rejected by Rangers for striker Youssef Chermiti was from Galatasaray for £22m, which would have been a club record sale. (Rangers Review)
Frosinone's asking price of £17.1m for Farès Ghedjemis has coolled the interest of quite a few clubs, including Rangers, in the 23-year-old winger. (Foot Mercato)
Rangers are exploring a deal for 20-year-old Aston Villa right-back Kosta Nedeljkovic. (Daily Record)
Rangers are considering taking Serbia right-back Kosta Nedeljkovic from Aston Villa on a season-long loan. (The Herald)
PSV Eindhoven head coach Peter Bosz insists Rangers transfer target Couhaib Driouech was left out of their Eredivisie opener against Fortuna Sittard due to a lack of fitness as the Ibrox club look to strike a £7m deal. (Daily Record)
After having a £6m bid rejected, Rangers remain in talks with PSV Eindhoven over a deal for 24-year-old winger Couhaib Driouech, with Burnley and Celta Vigo also interested. (Sky Sports)
He was more than that as a basketball lifer: Five-time champion as a player with the Boston Celtics, three-time Coach of the Year, an innovator on offense and a Hall of Famer. But also, people just liked being around Nelson, listening to him.
On the news of his death Sunday, the tributes poured in from former players, fellow coaches and the NBA family.
"One of the big reasons I was drafted by the Warriors was because of Don Nelson," Stephen Curry said in a statement. "The story is he never liked rookies, but from Day 1 he challenged me and gave me an opportunity to be my best self on the court. He taught me a lot during our one season together and I'll never forget the night he became the winningest coach in NBA history in Minnesota. We were so happy for him. He had an immeasurable impact on the sport and will go down as one of the greatest minds in the history of the game. He's a true icon and will be missed by the countless number of people he touched, including myself, during a legendary career. Sending my love to Joy, his family and all those who were fortunate enough to know him."
Nellie… You didn't just draft me. You believed in me. You saw things in my game before I ever realized I could do them. I've said it a million times and I will always say it: I don't think my career could have turned out how it did without you being my first coach and giving me…
A basketball innovator. A Mavericks legend. An impact that will never be forgotten.
We mourn the passing of former Mavericks head coach Don Nelson and celebrate a life that left an incredible mark on our franchise and the game of basketball.
"Don Nelson revolutionized NBA basketball through his fearlessness, ingenuity and deep conviction," NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement. "He spent nearly 50 years in the NBA – winning five championships as a player with the Boston Celtics before building one of the most successful and pioneering coaching careers in league history. He brought an unmistakable personality to everything he did, and his impact on our sport will continue to be felt for generations.
"I send my deepest condolences to Don's family and many friends throughout our league."
“Don Nelson was one of the driving forces of a basketball era that shaped us. He saw the game differently, challenged convention and trusted his instincts. That influence went far beyond the teams he coached. He certainly influences the way I see the game.
The Golden State Warriors mourn the passing of Hall of Fame head coach Don Nelson.
"Nellie" was one of the most innovative and influential coaches in NBA history and an iconic figure in Warriors history. He was a true basketball visionary who saw the game differently and was… pic.twitter.com/1k5piSC6xX
"Don Nelson was a true innovator whose influence on the game of basketball is still felt today," Warriors coach Steve Kerr said. "He consistently challenged conventional thinking, experimented with different lineups and styles of play and saw possibilities in the game that others often did not. So much of what is now commonplace in the modern NBA can be traced back to the way Nellie approached the game. His impact on the Warriors is just as significant. He helped shape some of the most memorable teams and moments in franchise history and built a lasting connection with generations of Warriors fans. His legacy will always remain an important part of this organization. My thoughts are with the entire Nelson family."
"Don Nelson had an impact on my life that went far beyond basketball," former Warrior and Hall of Famer Chris Mullin said. "At a time when I needed it, Nellie was there for me. He cared about me as a person first, and I'll never forget the support, honesty and belief he showed me during a difficult time in my life. We shared so much together over the years, and I'll always be grateful for the role he played in my life and career. Nellie was more than a coach to me; he was someone who truly cared. I loved him, and my thoughts are with Joy, Donnie and his entire family."
"When I think of Nellie, I'll always think of the 'We Believe' team and our incredible run in 2007," said Baron Davis. "He understood what made us go and made us believe we could beat anybody, ultimately helping us make history as the first No. 8 seed to defeat a No. 1 seed in a seven-game series. That time in my life and career was truly special, and Nellie was a huge part of making it possible. I'll always be grateful for the memories, the laughs and everything we accomplished together. I'm thinking of Joy and the entire Nelson family, remembering the happiness he brought to so many."
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - AUGUST 07: Robbie Ray #38 of the San Diego Padres pitches against the Houston Astros during the second inning at Petco Park on August 07, 2026 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across MLB. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Padres fans and fans across the country.
The San Diego Padres fanbase has been through a lot this season. It started with early season reports that San Diego had the worst farm system in the MLB. That transitioned to an MLB offense that was ranked near the bottom of the league in every statistical category, a pitching rotation decimated by injury and a patchwork of arms that was unwatchable at times. Despite all of that, rookie manager Craig Stammen had his team playing well and at one point 11 games over .500. Talk at the time was that how the Padres were winning games was unsustainable. Then the crashed happened. San Diego hit the skids and had a losing streak that saw them fall below .500 as the team headed into the All-Star break.
Coming out of the break, the conversation among fans, Padres front office personnel and the baseball world turned toward what the team should do at the MLB Trade Deadline. The Padres had hoped to come out of the All-Star break and jump right into a winning streak that would compel San Diego president of baseball operations and general manager to buy at the deadline, or at the very least keep what was in place. Instead, the Padres dropped two games to the Kansas City Royals and three games to the Atlanta Braves and started their post-All-Star road trip 2-5 heading into a three-game series at Miami.
The Padres went on to sweep the Marlins and finished their road trip 5-5 and headed back to San Diego for a homestand against the Colorado Rockies and the San Francisco Giants. There was still no indication what the Padres would do at the deadline and with a two-game sweep of the Rockies and taking three out of four games against the Giants, Preller and his team became buyers. However, there was still talk San Diego could try to be a buyer and possibly sell some pieces to improve the poorly ranked farm system. By the time the deadline had come and passed, the Padres had acquired two of the top starters available and a utility player and kept the roster intact.
San Diego added starters Robbie Ray, who had just got the win for San Francisco when the two teams met, and Casey Mize and Gage Workman from the Detroit Tigers. It was good to see Preller address the rotation, which proved to be the most glaring need at the deadline, but he paid the price for adding two rental arms, further depleting his farm system. Some people were unhappy with the decision not to trade players in the final years of their contracts like Adrian Morejon or Ty France. Some were unhappy that players with options at the end of the year like Michael King were not traded. But throughout baseball Preller and the Padres were lauded for the work they did at the Trade Deadline.
The Padres Reacts Survey question from this week asked respondents to give their take on the deadline moves. There were multiple options to choose from, including “Great,” “Good,” “Fair,” “Poor,” and “Terrible.” The majority were right in the middle with no one getting too high and no one getting too low. After seeing the first two starts from Ray and Mize the responses might look different, but both players were out of routine and are expected to bounce back in their next outings. The Padres, Preller and the Friar Faithful all hope so or this could turn into one of the worst deadlines of Preller’s tenure.
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